The Beginning of the New Season

In Korea, the 2009 Arena Tournament year has already begun with our own SK.Asia fighting the good fight, attempting to secure an invitation to Blizzcon and what will eventually be the Global Finals of the Blizzard Tournament. Meanwhile, there are the European and North American teams who qualified for their respective Regionals in what will certainly be the biggest event of the early tournament 'season' and they are preparing to claw their way through the competition to fight for this year's big prizes. Although I cannot disclose the exact date or location of the Regional event until Blizzard themselves announce it, I can tell you that it is only a stone's throw away. In order to not die of anticipation, there is another upcoming event that should serve to whet your WoW appetite while providing valuable insight into the format - 'MLG Columbus'.

The Implications of MLG Columbus

MLG (Major League Gaming) is kicking off the beginning of their 2009 Season in Columbus (June 5-7) with WoW for their PC Circuit (same as last year) but with an interesting twist - instead of hosting an open tournament as they previously have, eight teams with recent success have been invited to try and provide a quality event in one of their smaller venues. Generally the MLG events are attended almost exclusively by North American teams. Columbus will not be an exception to this.

However, it will certainly provide a significant look into the future (especially as it relates to the Blizzard Regionals) because most of the teams attending will be qualifiers for the Blizzard events, including Hydra's team (now known as Ensidia) from Europe. RMP (Rogue/Mage/Priest) will be very much present and very much tested, old favorites will either show off some veteran strength or else die hard, and Ensidia is positioned to potentially give a striking look at year's US vs EU debate and it might even be a preview of how things will be come time for Blizzcon.

Teams to Watch and Early Predictions

Universal Prediction - This part is more of a safe bet than a prediction... RMP will remain a plentiful tournament presence. It was already a tournament staple, and now roughly half of all Blizzard tourney qualifying teams are RMP. Any tournament team will need to come prepared with a lineup to beat RMP, or else yourself *be* RMP and be ready to play the mirror.

SK.eu (RMP) - The truest 'team' playing a tournament staple composition, SK Europe has the experience and the tools to take on the big stage and emerge the victors. Prediction - Along with the team below, SK.eu solidifies their position as one of the premier RMP teams on a continent that embraces the lineup.

Ensidia (RMP) - Hydra's team gets to have an early showing at MLG. From what I gather, they are very highly thought of throughout the European community. Prediction - Despite good but not stellar performances at the ESL Extreme Masters global finals back in March, Ensidia put up great numbers in the online portion of the Blizzard tournament. Given that and with their new backing, they are poised to move ahead of the pack along with SK.eu as the region's best RMPs. I anticipate a strong showing at MLG Columbus, but not a victory, keeping the EU vs US fire alive up until Blizzcon.

Team EG (Rogue/Lock/Shaman) - When Destruction Warlocks were terrible, EG nearly advanced through SK.asia at the ESL globals to move into the top8. Backed by the player even the Koreans said was by far the best Shaman they had ever faced, the new potency of the RLS lineup will be nothing short of exciting to watch. Prediction - EG will either win one of their first two events or else the winner will have had to first go through them in a trial by fire. But for this experienced team with solid players, win or loss I expect we will see some fireworks.

compLexity (RMP) - All of last year, the players of coL were a steady team and a constant contender. They primarily played Rogue/Mage/Druid, but their showing in March in Hannover proved their need to dedicate to RMP which previously had only been their side comp. They practiced more than any other single team from the very outset of the online Blizzard qualifier, and are qualifiers to the North American regional event. Prediction - coL may be in position along with the team listed below to raise the level of American RMP teams to a point of true competitiveness with European and Asian counterparts.

SK.us (RMP) - This team holds a place near and dear to my heart, considering I am on it. We now have a team with great talent, great competitive drive, and great potential. Prediction - The pressure will be on, but as I mentioned above I believe us capable of raising the level of competition among American teams, and we will not go down without a fight.

Make sure to tune in and root for SK Gaming beginning in Columbus and not-so-long after at the Blizzard Regionals event. Go SK!